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Press Releases

The communications office of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin provides media with timely, accurate information about the Wildflower Center. Below are recent press releases related to Center events and to staff expertise on conservation practices, native plant gardening, nature education, and native plant resources and research findings. For more information or photos beyond those on the newsroom site, please contact:

Background: Invasive species such as Giant reed (Arundo donax) and Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) in Texas reduce the abundance and diversity of native wildlife, jeopardize water quality and quantity, and cause significant economic losses. In August 2010, the Austin City Council approved a resolution to develop an invasive species management plan to reduce the negative impact of invasive plant species on city-managed properties, including Zilker Park and the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The public is invited to attend two meetings to provide input on the proposed plan that has included identifying 24 invasive plant species for potential management on the city’s more than 39,000 acres of land, 550 miles of transmission corridors and 660 miles of waterways. At the meetings, a short presentation about the plan and its history will be presented by Invasive Species Project Manager Matthew O’Toole from the Wildflower Center. Stakeholders from city departments and public organizations will provide commentary and help answer questions from the public. The public’s input will be used to inform decisions about modifying the proposed invasive species management plan before its submission to the city on Nov. 23 for adoption as part of protecting and promoting the health of our local environment.